Dementia can have a significant impact on a person's ability to enjoy the holidays. Shopping for gifts may become more difficult, as the person may have trouble remembering what people want or need. They may also have difficulty staying focused and organized while shopping. Wrapping gifts may also be more challenging, as the person may have trouble with fine motor skills.
Although it may be difficult for people with early-stage dementia to handle the usual holiday shopping activities, the right preparations can minimize some of the complications and frustrations. Here are five tips and strategies to help minimize stress and ensure that gift-giving during the holidays goes smoothly:
1. Make a List of People to Buy Gifts For
The first reason why making a list of people to buy gifts for helps with organizing holiday shopping is that it helps you avoid forgetting someone. It's easy to forget someone when you're trying to keep track of everyone in your head. Having a list ensures that you won't forget anyone.
Another reason to make a list is that it helps you budget your money. When you know who you need to buy gifts for, you can better estimate how much money you'll need to spend.
Lastly, it helps you stay organized. A list helps you keep track of who you need to buy gifts for, what you need to get them, and when you need to have it all done. This can save you a lot of stress during the holiday season.
2. Start Shopping Early To Avoid The Last-Minute Rush
It is always better to shop early to avoid the last-minute rush. This is especially true during the holiday season when everyone is trying to get their shopping done. By shopping early, you can avoid the crowds and the stress that comes with them. Moreover, it gives you time to ask for help if you need it.
3. Shop Online or Order Gifts To Be Delivered To Avoid Crowded Places
There are many advantages of ordering gifts online and having them delivered to loved ones. First, it is convenient and easy to do. Second, it saves time and effort. Third, it is often cheaper than buying gifts in person. Fourth, it allows you to send gifts to loved ones who live far away. Lastly, it helps you avoid crowded places.
4. Choose Brightly Colored Paper When Wrapping Gifts
People with dementia should choose brightly colored paper when wrapping gifts because it will be easier for them to see and identify the wrapped gift. Another advantage of brightly colored paper is that it can help to conceal any imperfections in the wrapping job.
5. Label Each Gift With The Name Of The Intended Recipient
Most seniors have a lot of friends and family. When they are buying gifts, they may not always know who the gift is for. If they label each gift with the name of the intended recipient, they can be sure that each gift goes to the right person.
Consider In-Home Senior Care Services if You Have Early Dementia
Organizing holiday activities can be a challenge for seniors with early dementia. For seniors who are finding it difficult to organize their holiday shopping, seeking help is always an option. This is where in-home senior care services become invaluable.
In-home senior care services can be invaluable to seniors with early dementia. Besides helping with holiday shopping, an in-home caregiver can provide support and assistance with activities such as decorating and driving to holiday parties and other venues. This can help to reduce the stress and anxiety that can be associated with the holidays.
If you are in need of in-home senior care services in Muskegon, Grand Have, Hollard, Lakeshow, or Hudsonville, Senior Helpers Southwest can help. We are a premier provider of in-home care services to seniors. Whether you want help with daily activities or to get specialized care, we can personalize our services to meet your unique needs. Contact us to learn more about our in-home care services.